Liquid fuel conditioning means



l. LIQUID FUEL CONDITIQNING MEANS I v Filed July 28, 1941v sheeiss'netgL-j ge l l l w Jne 16, 1942. 4

lIIIIHIIIH -ff' i J70/jays? H. B. H'oL'rHousE, JR LIQUID FUEL CONDITIONING MEANSi Jun-e l16, 1 942.

Filed vjuly 28, 1941 i 2 SheetSfSheQt 2 Patented June 16, 1942 g @UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE LIQUID FUEL CONDITIONING MEANS Harry B. Holthouse, Jr., Chicago,'lll.assignor to .Galvin Manufacturing Corporation, Chicago,

Ill.,..a corporation of Illinois Application July 28, 1941,' Serial` N o. 404,410

(Cl.l5828) Claims.

This. invention ,relates generally to means for treating Vliquid fuel in internal combustion heaters preliminary tothe combustion thereof,

-andin particular to such fmeans -for an auto- `provision of means for treating. liquid fuel preliminary to its combustion in which the fuel is thoroughly mixed with air, rvaporized .and equalized as to density and pressure while being maintained at a substantially uniform temperature considerably below the ignition tempera- `ture of 'the fuel.

A feature of this invention is found in the provision of vliquid fuel treating means for a heater of Ainternal combustion `type which is built as a separate and complete unit prior to its assembly in the heater.

Another feature of this inventionis the provision of a liquid fuelvaporizing unit'for a heater of internal combustion type in which a vvertical heat conducting plate. extending transversely of the unit and having a perforated top portion and an imperforate lower portion coacts with a heat conducting wall portion of the unit structure in forming a fuel trough at the bottom of the unit. Any fuel entering .the unit which is not substantially immediately vaporized is collected in the trough and heated therein until it is completely vaporized so that only vaporous fuel is admitted into the combustion chamber of the heater.

A stillfurther feature of this invention is the provision of a liquid fuel vaporizing unit for a heater of ,internal combustion typewhich is arranged adjacent the inlet of the heater combustion chamber, but which is insulated therefrom so that the fuel is completely conditioned at a temperature far below the igniting temperature of the fuel. Ignition of the fuel in the Vaporizing unit vis thus entirely prevented.

Another feature of this invention is the provision of a liquid fuel vaporizing unit for an internal combustion heater inwhich the fuel particles not immediately vaporized, are collected at the bottomof the unit in a fuel pocket and exposed to both heat and warm4 circulated supply airto assure their vaporization and passage from 'the .unit in a vaporous form.

Further objects, advantages, and features of this 'invention will be apparent from the following :description when taken in connection with the.` accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. l is a somewhat schematic illustration of anv automobile heater of internal combustion type showing the arrangement therein of the improved liquid fuel treating means;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged detailed sectional view of the fuel treating unit shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a transverse sectional View as seen `along the line 3--3 in Fig. 2; Aand` Fig. 4 is a transverse sectional View as seen along the line 4 4 in Fig. 2.

The illustrated embodiment of the invention is shown -as applied to anautomobile heater of internal combustion type which is operable independently of the car engine and voper-ated entirely`by the electrical power from the car battery. Since the electrical power available from the Vusual car battery is relatively small, it is contemplated that the heater operating motor be of asize to operate on about' amperes of current, which is far below the average amperage rating of a normal car battery and well within all practical factors of safety for heater current consumption. The use of a 5 ampere motor for operating the air and fuel supply means in the heater produces an air pressure in the heater fuel conditioning unit of about V1/8 of an inch to li'of an inch of water. Fuel cannot be propierly atomizedbyan air pressure of this order so that air and fuel Amixed at thesepressures form what is commonly referred to as a wet mixture. vBefore this wet mixture can be eilicientlyburned it must be completely broken up and intimately mixedprior to ignition. The invention, therefore, contemplates the provision of means for uniformly and intimately mixing all portions of the low pressure air and fuel preliminary to its combustion.

Referring to the ldrawings there is shownin Fig. 1 an automobile heater of internal combustion vtype'which includes'ahousing structure II! for a combustion chamber! I, an air supply chamber I2,.an air supply fan I3, a fuel pump I4, an air circulating. fan I 6, anda motor I1; the motor be- -ing common in the operation of the fans I3 and IS and fuel pump I4. The housing structure I0 has a longitudinally extendingpartition wall I8 which divides the housing into an upper compartment I9 and a lower compartment 2|, the compartments I9 and 2| being in communication with each other through air passages 22 and 23. The combustion chamber II and air supply chamber I2 are of substantially cylindrical form and are assembled in axial alignment in the compartment I9, the chambers I I and I2 being spaced away from the walls I8 and 24 of the housing I0 by radiating ns 26 to form an annular passage 21 about the combustion and air supply chambers. Fan I6 operates to draw air into the heater through inlet 28 for circulation through the passages 23 and 21, the air being normally discharged from the heater through the outlet 29. 'I'he inlet 28 may be arranged to draw air into the heater from either the inside or outside of the car passenger compartment and the outlet 29 may be suitably connected to pass the heated air into the passenger compartment. The heated air may also be selectively controlled to be exhausted to the atmosphere or supplied to a windshield defroster or variably controlled therebetween. As illustrated in Fig. 1 this may be accomplished by a rotary valve 3| of disc form which is suitably supported in the housing I0. The valve is formed with apertures, such as 32, which are arranged in controlling relation to the passages leading to the atmosphere or to the defroster. In the illustrated position of the valve an aperture 32 is in alignment with a passage 33 leading to the atmosphere with a valve portion 34 covering the passage 36 leading to the defroster. The fan I3, which supplies air for combustion, has an inlet 31 open to the atmosphere which is suitably arranged in a wall portion of the motor compartment 38. Although the fuel pump I4 is shown as lying without the heater structure II), it may be assembled within the motor compartment 38 so that the air entering the inlet 31 is circulated about the fuel pump I4 and motor I1 to cool these parts prior to its passage through the opening 22 into the air supply chamber I2. The fresh air supplied to the chamber I2 is thus initially heated by its circulation through the chamber 38, and is further heated 'by its counter-flow relation with the heated air passing through the annular passage 21. Air from the chamber I2 is mixed with the fuel from pump I4 in a fuel conditioning or treating unit 39 which is located within the chamber I2 and arranged at the inlet to the combustion chamber II. The chamber II is of elongated construction having an outlet end (not shown) which is open to the atmosphere. v

The unit 39 (Figs. 2, 3 and 4) includes an air and fuel mixing or vaporizing chamber 4I and an equalizing chamber 42, which are formed within a supporting shell or housing 43 of substantially cylindrical shape. As viewed in Fig. 2 the upper side of the housing 43 is of straight contour, While the lower side is of substantially stepped contour near the closed housing end 44 which is of reduced section. The stepped or wall portion 46 is located substantially opposite the air and fuel inlet 41 to the chamber 4I, the unit outlet 48 being at the open end 49 of the housing 43. The inlet 41 is formed with a suitable mounting portion for a fuel nozzle I which is connected with the pump I4 through a supply line 52. The nozzle 5I is formed with apertures 53 which admit a portion of the supply air from the chamber I2 into the fuel stream from the fuel chamber 55 prior to the admission of the fuel into the vaporizing chamber 4I Another portion of the air from the supply chamber I2 is admitted into the mixing chamber through air ports 54 which are formed in the unit housing 43. The ports 54 are suitably arranged about the nozzle 5I so as to direct the air into the partially broken up fuel stream on its ejection from the nozzle 5I into the chamber 4I. The opposed -disposition of the nozzle 5I and wall portion 46 causes the air and fuel mixture from the nozzle 5I and ports 54 to contact this wall, for a purpose to be later explained. A further portion of the air from the supply chamber I2 is admitted into the air and fuel mixture, after ignition thereof, through the air tube 40 which is supported in a wall portion of the combustion chamber I I. This additional air functions to lean the mixture after ignition to obtain a more complete burning thereof. i

Chambers 4I and 42 are separated by a cupshaped member 56 which is fitted into the housin 43 through the open end 49, the closed end 51 of the member 56 being positioned near the wall portion 46 and arranged transversely of the unit housing whereby to serve as a parting or partition Wall between the chambers. The partition wall 51, as is best seen in Fig. 3, is formed over about its upper two-thirds portion with a plurality of apertures 58 which are in concentric arrangement. Approximately the lower third of the partition is imperforate so that communication between the chambers 4I and 42 is obtained only through the apertures 58. Positioning of the partition or dividing wall 51 near the wall portion 46 is determined by a pressed annular shoulder 59 formed in the housing 43, engagement of the shoulder with the cup 56 holding the cup in place in an obvious manner. The step 46 is inclined upwardly and away from the partition, as viewed in Fig. 2, to form a trough or pocket 6I between the step and imperforate bottom portion of the partition, for a purpose to be later explained. The open end of the cup member 56 is in abutting engagement with a heat insulating plate 62, which is positioned Within the unit housing 43 from the end 49. As shown in Fig. 4, plate 62 is formed with a plurality of apertures 63 arranged in substantially a complete circle near its peripheral edge` Since in the heater arrangement of Fig. l the outlet 49 of the unit is positioned at the inlet 64 of the combustion chamber II the apertures 63 directly communicate the combustion chamber i I with the equalizing chamber 42. The re-igniter element 66, which extends longitudinally outwardly of the unit 39, is mounted in the plate 62 in the upper portion thereof. The element 66 is composed of a suitable ceramic material and functions, as is well known, to maintain combustion in the chamber II after it has been started by other ignition means.

The ignition means of the present invention is formed as part of a combination preheating and igniting unit 61 which includes a resistance coil 68 arranged in an insulating tube 69, which in turn is mounted in a copper tubular sleeve 1I. Element 61 is slantingly arranged longitudinally of the mixing chamber 4I and equalizing chamber 42 and is supported in the closed end 44 of the housing 43, and in the partition Walls 51 and 62. The inclined Wall portion or step 46 and the partition wall 51 are arranged in heat conducting relation with the element 61, the end 12 of which is formed to partially expose a portion of the resistance Wire 68. That portion of the heating element 61 in the chambers 4I and 42 rfunctions to heat the vaporizing unit 39, the unit housing "-"thel circuit being. completed to; ground :by connecltionf of thefresistance wirel to thercopper tubing :1I fatthe'igniterendilz .of theiunitz61. .The con- .'ductors 82 and8'3 are also commento the circuit of )thesfue1..pump z t4, .which includes iconductors Bland 83;.bi-:rnetal switch 11-f19,fconductor-.84, breaker assembly285,.and conductorf81. IMotor I1 `r43 fand l the cup 'member l256 ybeing zAprovided in copper or other high heat-'conducting material to effect a rapid-andv uniform distributiony ofr this heat'throughout the unit.- The element 61, there- 'fore, does"not operate as a hot-spot but operates rather to I heat the mixingand equalizing chambers and their-surrounding walls to -a substan. tiallyl uniform temperature-With the variation of the temperature Within the chambers and their surrounding Walls being-about F.

-The`-chamber 42, which is defined by the partition walls 51andf62 is filled'with aY copper Wool or like material having-high heat conducting characteristics VWhich conducts heat fromV the heating' element 61 into all portions of the charnberl42, whereby to heat all of the portions of the mixture entering the chamber`42 from the chamloerv 4I, as will be explained. The unit 39 is thus seen to be completely preassembled prior to its installation in the heater apparatus illustrated in Fig. rl. This assembly of the liquid fuel conditioner Y39 asa unit facilitates the-mounting of the unit in the heater and makes it entirely accessible for any service Work.

In the assembly of the unit 39 inthe heater the end 12 of the heating element 61 is located at the inlet of the combustion chamber II,-the projectionof heat Afrom this end actingto ignite the fuel mixture enteringthe-chamber. The heat thusprojected'is `coniined'at the end 12 by the heat insulating partition S2, the degree of ignition heat `being "determined "essentially by the length of the heating element vand beingcontemplated inthe present invention to be about` l800 F. The temperaturey inthe mixing and equalizing chambers, however, is at all times less than that which would eect an ignition` or'burning` of the `fuel within such chambera'and is contemplated to be about`300 F. 'I'husa1though'the ignitiontemperature of the fueltis Vabout 1800" the partition @substantially prevents this high. heat in the combustionchamber Ii from Abeing entirely transferred to thek chambersof 'the Vvaporizing `unitlliii .so that the presence of anlSOO? F. tempera-ture onkone side kof thepartition 62 occurs simultaneously with a temperature of only300 F. on the Aopposite side thereof. 'I'his large;diiference between the;optimum temperature `Within the Vaporizing unitQ/and the ignition temperature Within the combustion' chamberl I 'positively eliminates any burning of the fuel .Withinthe vaporizing `unit 39.Y

A controlled heating of the unit 39 for advantageously vaporizing therfuel therein is accomplished by meansofY a thermal switch unit 13 (Fig. l) which is `responsiverto'the heat of the heatingelement $1' and'actsto regulate the operation ofsuch heating means. The unit-13 is mounted on, but electrically insulated lfrom the elementend 14 and extends into'theair Vsupply chamber I2; the unit' being comprised ofibi-rnetal contact arms 15 and 11 and associated contact arms-1B and 19,' respectively. The-bi-metal arms 165 and 11 are movable independently of each other and are adapted for movement at-'different temperatures; bi-metal switchl1-18`beingin a normally closed'position and arranged in the electrical circuit of the heating-element B1, andbimetalswitch 11-19 being'normally openand arranged in the electrical lcircuit of the fuel pump I4, 'Energization of the heating element 51 is obtained'by connection thereof to a suitable electrical source suchl as l the ear battery i the circuit' from the battery includingA conductors B2 and 83 bi -rnetal switch 'l 6'-1 Sandv conductor t4;

is connected .directly to the' battery; 8 I through conductors 82 andSB.

Operation/of theheaterunitx and Ahence of .ther-heater apparatuur',isstarted by .closing the main switch which simultaneouslyf'operates the heating aelementf51 iand fans I3 .and I6; the cir- :cuitl of the'fuelpump I4 being. :opened by the normallyopen bimetal switch 11=19.v VWhen the lheatingfelement .161. reaches a temperature of `.about y750.14". ,.the .bi-.metal arm v11 moves into `contact --withA the arm E1s '.to lclose the circuit tof vthe fuelpump. I4.: The pumpcircuit is thus'seen to be arrangedto .provide for the'operationof the -pumpzl'4'only when'thetelement is in .anl operable condition. The air and fuel suppliedto the .chamber 4I Lby `vthe'fan I3 and fuel pump I4 through 1theiports154 land fuel nozzle 5I,respec tively, contact the' inclined wall portionor step 46 sanidithat Yportion ofthe heater velement 61 Withinthe: chamber 4I.

Since the'wall 45 is aty substantially .thersame .temperature as the heating element .51"thezfuel' is partially vaporized by such .contact so'as :to be :intimately kandthoroughly mixed :With the lain VThe resultant mixture is forced :through the apertures A58 in the partition Wall :5'1 tand 'thence' intoithe equalizing chamber '42szby .the pressure :produced inthe air supply icharnber I2 bythe air supplyvfan i3. From the equalizing chamber the mixture :passes/.through the'apertures 63finathe insulating partition 62 `and into `thefcombustioncharnber II, where it is 'ignited.;by;the;hot end 12 Nof the heating unit 61.

v :Aften-combustion has thusbeen initiated the continued operationofthe heater and heater ele- .'mentf611'servesto increase the-temperature in 4the chambers i4I landiiZ. Whenthe temperature .in thesefchambers reaches a value of `about 200 vfyvvhich represents aminimum operating temperature `for:advantageously conditioning the air -andifuelfor eiiicient: combustion at low pressures,

:the'bi-metal farm 1.6 moves out of .engagement with the contact' armi18; to stop the operation of the 'heating element;` the fans I3 and I6 and fuel pump I4 continuing in operation. Atthis operating temperature thefuel contacting the elementfB1-andzzthe inclined wall' 46 is substantially -immediately vaporizedgby the heat in these parts;

the Vangularinclination ofthe wall 46 with the heatfconducting partition'51; which angle is about 245,"servingto deflect'themixture against the wall 51 to substantially completely vaporize all of thefuelasupplied to the'chamber 4I. .Any raw ortfreei fuel'particles which are'not immediately vaporized :by contact `with theelement 61 and A`vvallsxi..i'ande51'rdrop to the'bottom of the chamber into the fuel cavity .or trcughll. Since the'fuel ycavityris formed'by the heated partition 51 and :step-*146 land-furtherfhas the heating element 51 `extendingzacross the'topthereof, the raw fuel collectedrtherein 'is'A additionally heated. The fuel ithusicollected` is exposed to the warm supply air rcirculating y Within thechamberr I so as to facilitate its vaporization and passage into the chamber 42through the apertures iigl'in a vaporous for-rn.` Any unmixedor'free fuel particles are thus -retainedin thechamber 4I until-'they are v'properly conditioned-so'thatall of the fuel passing into the chamber 42 y is in a vaporous form.

ture to produce a mixture of substantially uni- Y form fuel density. Since the mixture entering the chamber 42 through the apertures 58 tends to be somewhat turbulent in its iiow the structure of chamber 42 acts further to equalize the velocity iiow and pressure of the mixture over the entire transverse cross sectional area of the unit 39. The fuel mixture entering the combustion chamber through the apertures 63vin the insulating partition 62 is thus of uniform consistency and is free of any isolated rich or lean portions, whereby combustion proceeds both quietly and eiiiciently. With the heater element F31 cut out by the operation of the bi-metal switch 'I6-'i8 the vaporous mixture is ignited by the igniter element 66, which is heated to a red glow during the initial combustion in the chamber The above described operating condition of the heater continues until the temperature in the chamber 4| falls below about 200 F., at which temperature the bi-metal arm 16 moves into contact with the contact arm 18 to again energize the heating element 61. When the temperature of the chamber 4| is again increased to about 200 F., the bi-metal arm 16 breaks away from the contact arm 18 to again open the circuit of the heater element 6l. This controlled operation of the unit 38 continues during normal operation of the heater, the operation of the heater and hence of the unit being stopped by opening theswitch 89.

During the normal operation of the heater a portion of the heat from the combustion chamber is transmitted through the walls of the housing structure 43 and also through the heater element 5'! to the mixing chamber 4| and equalizing chamber 42. This transfer of heat decreases the dissipation of heat from the mixing chamber 4| by the cooling action of the vaporization of the fuel therein and decreases to some extent the effects of this cooling action on the element 6l. The transfer ofA heat in this manner thus Serves to reduce the frequency of operation of the heatingT element 61 by the thermal unit 13.

A drifting of the temperature in the mixing chamber is substantially eliminated by the location of the thermal unit on the element 61 and in the air supply chamber 2 vsince this location of the unit provides for an immediate control of the heater element in response to operating conditions in the chamber 4|, and hence for a practically uniform operating temperature in mixing and equalizing chambers. It is to be understood, however, that the energization of the heating element 6l by the thermal unit '|3 does not indicate a failure of combustion in the chamber Energization of the heating element 6l may be the result of a sudden change in the temperature of the air and fuel entering the chamber. The mixture is processed independently of the burning conditions in the combustion chamber and the bi-metal switch 13 operates to energize the heating element only in response to the temperature conditions in the mixing chamber 4|.

In the passage of the mixture from the mixing chamber to the combustion chamber, the relative temperature difference between the heat conducting wool and the mixture in the chamber 42 is such that heat is transmitted from the wool to the mixture to preserve its vaporous form. However, in the passage of a flame or a spark from the combustion chamber into the equalizing chamber the relative temperature difference between the combustion chamber and the equalizing chamber is such that heat is taken up by the copper wool so as to extinguish the flame or spark by reducing the temperature of the burning mixture below its ignition point. The equalizing chamber 42 thus acts to prevent any occurrence of flashback from the combustion chamber into the conditioning unit 39.

The invention thus provides a means for conditioning liquid fuel preliminary to combustion which is positive and efficient in operation and which uniformly conditions the fuel regardless of the combustion conditions occurring in the combustion chamber. The unit 39 operates at all times to produce a vaporous mixture for burning in the combustion chamber so that the condition of the mixture at the beginning of heater operation is substantially the same as its condition during normal heater operation. The cavity or trough 6| at the bottom of the mixing chamber effectively retains all raw fuel particles within the mixing chamber to prevent their passage into the equalizing chamber 42. Formation of the cavity by the heated partition 51 and inclined wall portion 46, and its location in proximity to the element 6T facilitates the vaporization of the fuel collected therein. The fuel within the cavity is further exposed to the heated supply air circulating in the chamber 4| so that the vaporized fuel is substantially immediately mixed with this air and carried through the apertures 58 into the equalizing chamber 42 in vaporous form. The fuel is thus positively ignited and completely burned at an even rate to substantially eliminate alternate periods of intense and low heat operation. 4

It is to be understood that only a preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described herein and that modifications and alterations thereof can be made which are within the full intended scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a heater of internal combustion type, the combination of a combustion chamber, a liquid fuel vaporizing chamber in operative association with said combustion chamber, a vertical wall portion between said vaporizing and combustion chambers perforated over the upper portion and imperforate over the lower portion thereof, said vaporizing chamber having a wall portion adjacent to but inclined awayfrom said vertical wall portion to form a fuel trough with said imperforate plate portion at the bottom of said vaporizing chamber, means for heating said vaporizing chamber, and means for supplying air and fuel to said vaporizing chamber, said fuel being directed toward said inclined wall portion and deflected against said vertical Wall portion so as to be substantially completely vaporized prior to its passage out of said vaporizing chamber into said combustion chamber, with any raw particles of fuel being collected in said fuel trough to be heated and vaporized.

2. A preassembled liquid fuel vaporizing unit having an inlet and an outlet, a plate located between said inlet and outlet and extending transversely of said unit, said plate being perforated over the upper portion and imperforate at the lower portion thereof, with a wall portion for said unit having one end thereof spaced from azsasm? the loweneimperforate'.. portiorr. ofi.: said ,pglate; to

form: a; fuel.: retaining .f porti-on; therebetween at.

thebgottomzof; said .unit,. meansiforgheatingsaid; unit, means fori; supplying.. air i andA fuell to.. said.

unit, witlr the; fuel being; directed.; toward said Wallportionprior to:.its..passage.through. the. perforationsinsaid.plate;withltheheat in saidwall portion: and plate.. acting .to .substantially .coinpletely v.vaporize said. fuel;.-With-the:.vaporous. fuel passing.; thr.ough..the .perforationsv in.. said. plate. to said outlet; .and any free.: fuel particles. drop.-

ping. into .saidfuel retainingportionto be.. heated..

andvaporized.

3. .111. a-heater of .internal combustion type, a liquidv fuel vaporizingi unit .hai/ing..y an .o.utlet, a. heat..zconducting: plate. extending over. substantially the; entirecross section. of said. outlet, said,

platezbeingperOrated overthe upper portion. and.l

imperforate 'oyen the'lower. portion..thereof,. said unit; haying. aheat `conducting Wall.' portion. arl rangedrelative. to Asaid. partition to. form .aV fuel pantherewith atthebottom of said; unit, means for supplying air..and fuelto said-.,unit, means for heating .said unit; said fuel `being directed against saidyvallportionprior toits passagethroughthe ranged'.in...said.heater..with said .outlet in. com- :if:

munication. with .said combustion. chamber, Wall means over..substantially theentire cross.. sec: tion. off said; dutlet,'..said;wal1. means being perforated over. the;upper. portion and imperiorate over the lower. portion ther.eof,.said Vaporizing chamber. having.v a. Wall.- portionropposite. said inlet...adjacent said. Wall.rneans :forming a; fuel pocket. at'. thebottom .of said chamber; withsaid wallfmeans, means forsupplyingair and=- fuel to said. vaporizing chamberv at :said.inlet;.and means for. heatingsaid.vaporizing ,chambeng said air and; fuel .being contacted .againstsaid Wall -portion.` andwall means,..with-the heat .from these two .parts acting. to. substantially completely vaporizetheuelprior. toxitspassage through said. perforationsin said- Wall. means.. into said., combustionchamber, With any. unvaporizedfuel. accumulating. in..said f.uel pocket to .be heated and vaporized.

5.` In a heating, device. of; internal. combustion type,. meansforp'treating a liquidfuel prior to combustionincluding a fuel. yaporizingunit having. ariinletiandanoutlet, Wall means arranged transversely of said unit between. said inlet and sai-d outlet. haVingperforationsover a. portion thereof, said..unit.havingawalliportion located relative. toanimperforated portion of said VWall means` to form.. av fuel. retaining. portion therebetween, means for. supplying air-and fuel to said unit atsaid inlet, .means forheating said unit, said. uelbeing .substantially completely Vaporized. for. .mixing .with .said air. by. the. heat from saidwallportion and;` Wall. means prior to its passage. throughthe perforationsin said wall means-to said outlet, .Withany raw. fuel particles in said unit .beingreceived on saidfuel retaining portion andheatedfor passage from said outlet-in avaporous form..

6i Ina heater of internal combustion type lllorted on1..saidf.-V frame.:` means.:.f.or; treating.. liquid fuel .fpriori to .combustione4 said: unit; bein'giihorizontally arranged; in..said:hea-ter.andnhavingone closed-eend with inlet: near said. closed end. andarr outlt:at.'said; opp.osite.end, aheat'conf ducting. plateeapertured.f over .an-upper. .portion thereof; extending. transversely;y of said. unit; betweemsaidginlet.and;outlet;. said unit havingfan inclined: Wall ;-p.ortion located; substantially ;oppo-. site saidyinlet.Jandgforminga .fuel receptacle lwith saidlgplateX at .thepbottom .ofsaid.;unit, .means .for heating said unit., saidxheating means .being .sup-

ported insaid. closedendandplate .and arranged.

between said .inletaand inclinedwall portion,v and meansxfor. supplyingJ air. and.. fuel. t0, said. unit .at

said". inlet, .said fueluontacting -said .inclined wall and'heating. means to be. substantially completely vapori'zed. therebyJ prior to, its i passage.v to said.

outlet: throughgthe. apertures; in.said;plate, .the

unyaporizedf fuel particles. droppinginto :said fuel.

receptacle to.'y bie. additionally4 heated .and .vaporized for later passageito. saidoutlet..

'1. Ina. heater; ofi internal :combustion type, a liquid-fuel .avaporizing .unit dhorizontally arranged insaid .heater and lhaving; an inlet .1 andan outlet,

avertical partition. extending. oversubstantially.

the.',entire cross'sectioirf saidA outlet,. said. partition being; perforatedv over'. the upper portion and-1` imperforate` :.over the.; lower. .portion thereof,

; said: unit v`havingr a walliportion .oppositely disposedfromsaid.in1et;withsaid wall. portion` being. adjacent vi to f saidpartit-ion: but; inclined relative.

theretofto .form .aefuel .pan .at the. bottom .of said unit; meansfortsupplying.,air.and fuel to the unit at :said inlet; meansfor'. heating said. unitto at.

least; a....fuel; vaporizing temperature,..said fuel being idirectedagainstvsaid. wallportion and dehaving framemeans, a preasse-mbled unitsup.. 75,

fiecte'dtherefrom.againstisaidlipartition so as to be?. substantially. completely. vaporizedby the heat in such 'etwo;...parts prior.v to its'. passage through the,l nperforations. inn said-.partition, the `unvaporized fuel particles descending :into .saidpan t0 be further.. heated-.andvaporized so-.that allof the fuel passing throughzsaid outlet .Will'be in .a vaporousform.

8.. Inl a.- heater` of: internal.. combustion. type, meansforitreatinga.liquidfuel prior to combustion. including a .longitudinally extending fuel vaporizing.unit.iofsubstantially cylindrical. shape having an zinlet.` andian outlet,. a .Vertical partition Wall arranged.;transversely of said unit between said. inletand said ;outlet,..with. saidyvall being perforated over@ the .upper portion, and. imperforate. over x theA lower. portion.thereoL said. .unit having.;awallxportion located opposite said inlet,

saidxwall portion being near tobut inclined away` fromsaid partition. wall to .forma fuel cavity at theV bottom, of s saidk unit.y .with` the imperforate portion-ofsaid partition wallf means for supplying airandfuel-to said -unit at said inlet, means for` heating saidnnit, saidrfuel being substantial-A on said frame means for treating fuel prior to its combustion, said unit being of hollow construction, closed at one end and open at its opposite end, a heat conducting plate extending transversely of said unit between said two ends, said plate having a plurality of apertures formed therein at its upper portion and being imperforate over the lower portion thereof, said unit having a wall portion near said closed end cooperating vvith said heat conducting plate to form a fuel receptacle at the bottom of said unit, means for heating said unit, located in said unit and supported in said closed end and heat conducting plate, and means for supplying air and fuel to said unit near said closed end, said fuel being substantially completely vaporized by said heating means for mixing with said air prior to its passage to said open end through said perforations, any unvaporized fuel particles dropping into said fuel receptacle to be additionally heated and vaporized for later passage through said perforations to said open end.

10. A preassembled liquid fuel vaporizing unit having an inlet and an outlet and a wall portion, wall means extended transversely of said unit intermediate said inlet and outlet having a passage portion for fluid-connecting said inlet and outlet and an imperforate portion arranged to form a liquid fuel receptacle portion with a wall portion of said unit, means supplying air and fuel to said unit at said inlet, and means for heating said unit to at least a fuel vaporizing temperature, with said fuel being substantially completely Vaporized by the heat adjacent said inlet for mixing together with said air so that a substantially vaporous mixture is admitted through said passage portion to said outlet, with any raw fuel particles not initially vaporized in said unit adjacent said inlet being retained in said liquid fuel receptacle portion and heated to a vaporizing temperature for passing to said outlet in a vaporous condition.

11. In a heater of internal combustion type, the combination of a chamber for mixing air and fuel for burning, means for supplying air and fuel to said chamber, a heating unit positioned in said mixing chamber and in contact with the air and fuel admitted thereto, with heating f said fuel by said heating unit preparing said fuel for mixing with said air, said chamber having a liquid fuel retaining portion at the bottom thereof for collecting any unmixed fuel particles, with said liquid fuel retaining portion having wall portions thereof thermally connected with said heating unit so that the heat from said wall portions vaporizes said unmixed particles for mixing with the air in said chamber, an energizing circuit for said heating unit, and thermostatic means in said circuit responsive in operation to the temperature conditions of said heating unit to control the energization of said circuit.

l2. In a heater of internal combustion type having an operating circuit, the combination of a part thereof for mixing air and fuel, means supplying air and fuel to said part, means for heating the air and fuel in said part preparatory for burning the mixture thereof, said part having a liquid fuel retaining portion therein for collecting any unmixed fuel particles, with said liquid fuel retaining portion having a wall portion in thermal conductivity with said heating means so that the heai-l from said wall portion acts on said unmixed particles to vaporize the same for mixing with the air in said part, and

thermostatic means responsive in operation to the temperature conditions of and mounted on said heating means and connected in said heater operating circuit to effect operation thereof.

13. In a unit heater of internal combustion type for an automobile having a battery and a passenger compartment, the combination of a combustion chamber and an air and fuel mixing chamber operatively associated with said combustion chamber, said mixing chamber having a cavity at the bottom thereof, electrically operated means for circulating air from said passenger compartment about said combustion chamber, electrical means for supplying air and fuel to said mixing chamber, electrical heating means in said mixing chamber for heating the same to a predetermined optimum temperature to vaporize the fuel supplied thereto, said cavity having the Walls thereof thermally connected with said electrical heating means, and said electrical heating means having an end portion thereof extending outwardly from said mixing chamber, any unmixed fuel being retained in said cavity and heated by the walls thereof for later passage to the combustion chamber in a vaporous form, and thermal means including a pair of bi-metallic switches mounted on said end portion and responsive in operation to the temperature condition of said heating means, with one of said switches controlling the operation of said heating means and the other of said switches the operation of said fuel supply means, all of said electrical means being operated by the electrical power from said battery.

14. In a, heater of internal combustion type, the combination of a combustion chamber, a horizontally arranged unit for treating liquid fuel having an inlet at the top and an outlet at one end thereof, with said outlet being in communication with said combustion chamber, means for supplying air and fuel to said unit at said inlet, heat conducting means extending transversely of said unit between said inlet and outlet, said heat conducting means being perforated over a portion thereof, a heat conducting wall portion in said unit to provide a fuel pocket at the bottom of said unit between said Wall portion and an imperforate portion of said heat conducting means, means for heating said unit to at least a fuel vaporizing temperature, said fuel being substantially completely vaporized for mixing together with said air by the heat from said wall portion and heat conducting means, said fuel pocket retaining any raw fuel particles in said unit until they are sufficiently heated to pass through the perforated portion of said heat conducting means in a vaporized form, and perforated heat insulating means extending transversely of the unit at said outlet to retain the heat of said combustion chamber away from the mixture in said unit.

15. In a heater of internal combustion type, the combination of a combustion chamber, a unit for treating liquid fuel preliminary to combustion having a heat conducting housing, said unit being closed at one end and having an open end in communication with said combustion chamber, a heat conducting member having perforations over a portion thereof extending transversely of said unit between said two ends, said unit having a wall portion at said closed end forming a fuel retaining portion at the bottom of said unit with an imperforate portion of said member, means for heating said unit supported in said closed end and heat conducting member, means for supplying air and fuel to said unit at said closed end, said fuel being directed toward said heating means and substantially completely vaporized by the heat from said heating means and heat conducting member prior to its passage through the perforations in said member, with said fuel retaining portion retaining any raw fuel particles Within said unit until they are sufficiently heated to pass through said perforations in a vaporized form, perforated heat insulating means extending'l transversely of said unit at said open end to retain the heat in said combustion chamber away from the mixture in said unit, and igniting means mounted in said heat insulating means and extending into said combustion chamber.

HARRY B. HOLTHOUSE, JR. 

